Stealth Price Hike? New PS5 Digital Edition Drops to 825GB SSD

Sony’s minor refresh of the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition, the CFI-2100, brings a significant change: the internal SSD storage drops from the previous 1TB to 825GB, but the retail price remains unchanged. This quiet reduction in capacity is causing some to label it a “stealth price hike”—buyers pay the same but receive less storage.

What Changed with the CFI-2100 Model?

The new CFI-2100 model introduces cost-saving adjustments, most notably reducing the built-in SSD storage to 825GB (down from the prior 1TB).
Pricing stays the same at ¥72,980 (Japan) and €499 (Europe), with a launch date set for September 13, 2025.
Meanwhile, the disc drive-equipped version of the PS5 retains the 1TB SSD, highlighting the difference for buyers choosing between editions.

How to Identify the Reduced-Storage Version

Both the older 1TB CFI-2000 and the 825GB CFI-2100 will be sold for a period.
The packaging for the new model will visibly label “825GB,” making it easier for shoppers to distinguish which version they’re getting.

Why Is Sony Doing This?

Sony has raised PS5 prices in several regions since launch, but appears to have hit resistance for further price increases.
By reducing storage without lowering the price, Sony maintains profit margins without an obvious price hike—a tactic consumer advocates call a stealth price increase.
For bargain hunters, limited-time sales can soften the blow. For example, the PS5 Digital Edition may be discounted by ¥10,000 (to ¥62,980) on Amazon until September 10, 2025, and the disc model is also temporarily discounted.

Consumer Impact

If shopping for a PS5 Digital Edition, check the box for clear “825GB” or “1TB” labeling.
Less usable SSD space means fewer large games or apps can be installed before needing to add an NVMe SSD or manage storage more actively.

Conclusion

Sony’s newest PS5 Digital Edition quietly cuts internal storage while holding prices steady, making SSD size a key detail for new buyers. For those planning to upgrade or purchase soon, double-check storage capacity for the best value.